Milling machine downsize

[Sean StimpsonParticipant @seanstimpson39664]

Milling machine

[Sean StimpsonParticipant @seanstimpson39664]

Hi all looking at advice of downsizing from a vari speed bridgeport looking at alexander master tool maker dekcel fp1 size what are people's views downsizing as moving thanks

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

You could do a lot worse than an Alexander / Deckel, but make sure you buy one that is "tooled up".

For many years I ran an Adcock Shipley 1ES with a Bridgeport vertical head grafted onto the overarm, the problem was it was too tall to fit my garage at the time so when I got the chance of my Alexander it was a no brainer.
They are very versatile and there is not much you cannot do on one with the right attachments.

Have a look at the gear hobbing thread for some inspiration.

https://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=170858&p=2#PostTop

Phil

[Neil LickfoldParticipant @neillickfold44316]

The FP1 machines are very noisy. Need earmuffs just to hear yourself think. They are a nice and very versatile machine though. From thread milling to small hole drilling etc. Like been mentioned it is the accessories that really make the machine. I like the aspect of the horizontal work as well as the vertical work that can be done in the one set up.

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

The Alexander is only noisy when running at high speeds, but I have a poly vee belt driven separate high speed head which I use 90% of the time so noise is no longer a problem.

Phil

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

I suppose it all depends on what type of work you do for most of the time. I run a varispeed Bridgeport and love the ability to do motorcycle related work. ( I am not a model maker) If I had to downsize a smaller machine would do 80% of the work but I would want a machine with a decent quill for drilling and boring. As said above the Deckle style machines need to be fully tooled.

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